One-piece self-locking nut

ABSTRACT

A self-locking nut includes a main-nut body and a deformable-nut body. The main-nut body has a recess leading into an interior threaded bore forming x turns of an internal thread therein. The deformable-nut body has an outer flange and an interior threaded bore forming y turns of an internal thread therein. The outer flange of the deformable-nut body is fixed to the main-nut body such that a relief space is formed between the deformable-nut body and the recess. A ratio of x:y is about 2:1.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.15/221,050 filed Jul. 27, 2016, now allowed, which is acontinuation-in-part of prior application Ser. No. 14/918,035, filedOct. 20, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,184,508, which is acontinuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 13/916,532, filed Jun. 12,2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,194,421, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/804,693, filed Mar. 24, 2013, each ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to threaded nut fasteners andmore specifically to one-piece self-locking nuts.

BACKGROUND

In many applications, it is desirable to have a threaded nut fastened ona threaded bolt with a permanent hold that will not loosen when exposedto high vibration environments. Conventionally, one or more locknuts maybe fastened on the bolt behind the threaded nut to apply a locking forceon the threaded nut to prevent it from loosening. However, theconventional use of locknuts requires added components to be used andmanipulated with every permanent fastener, thereby taking up more timeto install and more material to implement, and such locknuts may stillbe subject to loosening over time, for example in high vibrationenvironments. The present disclosure is directed to solving these andother problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY

It is therefore a principal object of the present disclosure to providea one-piece self-locking nut for permanent fastening on a bolt that canbe readily fabricated with standard manufacturing methods and installedon a bolt with standard tools. It is a further object that the one-pieceself-locking nut be easier and less expensive to manufacture, andlighter, stronger, and quicker to install than two-piece (or more)locking nuts.

In some implementations of the present disclosure, a self-locking nut iscomprised of a rear nut body having internal threading for threading ona threaded shaft of a fastener bolt, and a front nut body havingcircumferentially arranged, crush-locking lips provided on a forwardcontact face of the front nut body and being spaced from the internalthreading of the rear nut body by an internal relief cut foraccommodating deformation of the crush-locking lips therein. When thenut is tightened down on an object on which the fastener bolt is used,the crush-locking lips are forced inwardly and deform on the threadedshaft of the fastener bolt and into the space of the internal relief cutin order to form a permanent lock on the fastener bolt.

When torqued down onto a fastener bolt, the one-piece, self-locking nutresembles a conventional nut in the locked position while forming apermanent lock, whereas the conventional nut is subject to loosening.The one-piece, self-locking nut can be fabricated by conventional nutmanufacturing methods, and in use it threads on quickly like aconventional nut and installs with conventional tools. The self-lockingnut installs faster and is lighter in weight without wasting addedmaterial as compared to two-piece locking nuts.

In another implementation of the present disclosure, the self-lockingnut has a front “flying saucer” shaped part configured to work like a“jam nut” portion, and a rear “nut body” part having a front indentationspace configured to work like an inner relief cut. The two parts areinitially (e.g., prior to installation) joined together bycircumferential welding and further joined together during installationthereof by a flattening and/or deforming of the “flying saucer” partinto the inner relief cut space of the “nut body” part while leaving asmall gap between the parts.

According to some implementations of the present disclosure, aself-locking nut includes a main-nut body and a deformable-nut body. Themain-nut body has a recess leading into an interior threaded boreforming more than three turns of an internal thread therein. Thedeformable-nut body has an outer flange and an interior threaded boreforming less than three turns of an internal thread therein. The outerflange of the deformable-nut body is fixed to the main-nut body suchthat a relief space is formed between the deformable-nut body and therecess.

According to some implementations of the present disclosure, aself-locking nut includes a main-nut body and a deformable-nut body. Themain-nut body has (i) a front surface, (ii) an opposing back surface,(iii) an outer surface configured to be engaged by a tool to rotate theself-locking nut about a threaded bolt shaft thereby causing themain-nut body to move axially in a first direction towards an object,(iv) an interior threaded bore forming a plurality of turns of aninternal thread therein, and (v) a recess in the front surface extendinginto the main-nut body. The deformable-nut body has (i) a front surfaceconfigured to engage the object thereby limiting axial movement of thedeformable-nut body, (ii) an opposing back surface, (iii) an outersurface, (iv) an interior threaded bore forming at least a portion of aturn of an internal thread therein, and (v) an outer flange. The outerflange of the deformable-nut body is attached to the front surface ofthe main-nut body such that a relief space is formed between a portionof the opposing back surface of the deformable-nut body and the recess.The relief space provides an area for the deformable-nut body to deforminto during installation of the self-locking nut on the threaded boltshaft.

According to some implementations of the present disclosure, a method ofmaking a self-locking nut includes providing a main-nut body having arecess leading into an interior threaded bore forming more than threeturns of an internal thread therein. A deformable-nut body is providedhaving an outer flange and an interior threaded bore forming less thanthree turns of an internal thread therein. The outer flange of thedeformable-nut body is fixed to the main-nut body such that a reliefspace is formed between the deformable-nut body and the recess.

According to some implementations of the present disclosure, a method ofmaking a self-locking nut includes providing a deformable-nut bodyhaving an outer flange and an interior bore and providing a main-nutbody having a recess leading into an interior bore. The outer flange ofthe deformable-nut body is fixed to the main-nut body such that a reliefspace is formed between the deformable-nut body and the recess. Theinterior bore of the deformable-nut body is tapped such that less thanthree turns of an internal thread are formed therein. The interior boreof the main-nut body is tapped such that more than three turns of aninternal thread are formed therein.

According to some implementations of the present disclosure, a method ofpermanently locking a self-locking nut on a threaded bolt shaft of abolt is provided. The self-locking nut has a deformable-nut body fixedto a main-nut body such that a relief space is formed therebetween. Themethod includes positioning the threaded bolt shaft through an openingin an object such that a portion of the threaded bolt shaft protrudesfrom the opening. The self-locking nut is threaded onto the portion ofthe threaded bolt shaft protruding from the opening by rotating theself-locking nut in a first rotational direction, thereby causing theself-locking nut to move axially in a first direction towards a surfaceof the object. The self-locking nut is continued to be threaded onto theportion of the threaded bolt shaft such that a front surface of thedeformable-nut body abuts the surface of the object. With the frontsurface of the deformable-nut body abutting the surface of the object, arotational torque is applied in the first rotational direction to theself-locking nut to cause: (i) the main-nut body to move axially in thefirst direction, and (ii) the deformable-nut body to deform, therebyentering into the relief space formed between the deformable-nut bodyand the main-nut body, thereby locking the self-locking nut onto thethreaded bolt shaft of the bolt.

According to some implementations of the present disclosure, aself-locking nut includes a main-nut body and a deformable-nut body. Themain-nut body has a recess leading into an interior threaded boreforming x turns of an internal thread therein. The deformable-nut bodyhas an outer flange and an interior threaded bore forming y turns of aninternal thread therein. The outer flange of the deformable-nut body isfixed to the main-nut body such that a relief space is formed betweenthe deformable-nut body and the recess. X is greater than y. In somesuch implementations, a ratio of x:y is about 2:1. Alternatively, theratio of x:y is about 3:1. Alternatively, the ratio of x:y is about 4:1.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure willbe explained in the following detailed description having reference tothe appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of a one-piece, self-locking nutaccording to some implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view of the one-piece, self-locking nut ofFIG. 1A;

FIGS. 2A-2E are sectional views illustrating how crush-locking lips ofthe one-piece, self-locking nut of FIGS. 1A and 1B are forced inwardlyto deform on a threaded shaft of a bolt in order to form a permanentlock;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the one-piece, self-locking nut ofFIGS. 1A and 1B illustrating its geometry and dimensions according tosome implementations of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate a one-piece, self-locking nut having slottedcrush-locking lips according to some implementations of the presentdisclosure;

FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate a one-piece, self-locking nut having two-sidedcrush locking lips according to some implementations of the presentdisclosure;

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate a one-piece, self-locking nut having equalizedtwo-sided crush-locking lips according to some implementations of thepresent disclosure;

FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate a one-piece, self-locking nut havingcrush-locking lips made of different material than the nut bodyaccording to some implementations of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate a one-piece, self-locking nut having flangedcrush locking lips according to some implementations of the presentdisclosure;

FIGS. 9A-9E illustrate an example of the stages of manufacturing aone-piece, self-locking nut according to some implementations of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 10A is a rear perspective view of a self-locking nut according tosome implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10B is a front perspective view of the self-locking nut of FIG.10A;

FIG. 10C is a partial cross-sectional front perspective view of theself-locking nut of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 10D is an exploded front cross-sectional view of the self-lockingnut of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 10E is an assembled front cross-sectional view of the self-lockingnut of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 10F is a front cross-sectional view of the self-locking nut of FIG.10A threaded onto a threaded bolt prior to being torqued according tosome implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10G is a front cross-sectional view of the self-locking nut of FIG.10A threaded onto the threaded bolt after being partially torqued suchthat a deformable-nut body of the self-locking nut begins to deform;

FIG. 10H is a front cross-sectional view of the self-locking nut of FIG.10A threaded onto the threaded bolt after being fully torqued such thatthe deformable-nut body of the self-locking nut is deformed and theself-locking nut is locked on the threaded bolt;

FIG. 10I is a front cross-sectional view of the self-locking nut of FIG.10H with the threaded bolt removed for illustrative purposes showing thedeformation of the deformable-nut body;

FIG. 11A is an exploded front cross-sectional view of a self-locking nutaccording to some implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11B is an assembled front cross-sectional view of the self-lockingnut of FIG. 11B;

FIG. 11C is a front cross-sectional view of the self-locking nut of FIG.11B after being installed (e.g., fully torqued on a threaded bolt withthe threaded bolt removed for illustrative purposes) showing thedeformation of a deformable-nut body of the self-locking nut;

FIG. 12A is an exploded front cross-sectional view of a self-locking nutaccording to some implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12B is an assembled front cross-sectional view of the self-lockingnut of FIG. 12B;

FIG. 12C is a front cross-sectional view of the self-locking nut of FIG.12B after being installed (e.g., fully torqued on a threaded bolt withthe threaded bolt removed for illustrative purposes) showing thedeformation of a deformable-nut body of the self-locking nut;

FIG. 13A is an exploded front cross-sectional view of a self-locking nutaccording to some implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13B is an assembled front cross-sectional view of the self-lockingnut of FIG. 13B;

FIG. 13C is a front cross-sectional view of the self-locking nut of FIG.13B after being installed (e.g., fully torqued on a threaded bolt withthe threaded bolt removed for illustrative purposes) showing thedeformation of a deformable-nut body of the self-locking nut;

FIG. 14A is an exploded front cross-sectional view of a self-locking nutaccording to some implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14B is an assembled front cross-sectional view of the self-lockingnut of FIG. 14B;

FIG. 14C is a front cross-sectional view of the self-locking nut of FIG.14B after being installed (e.g., fully torqued on a threaded bolt withthe threaded bolt removed for illustrative purposes) showing thedeformation of a deformable-nut body of the self-locking nut;

FIG. 15A is a front cross-sectional view of a deformable-nut bodyaccording to some implementations of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 15B is a front cross-sectional view of a deformable-nut bodyaccording to some implementations of the present disclosure.

While the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific implementations have been shown by way ofexample in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. Itshould be understood, however, that the present disclosure is notintended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, thepresent disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, andalternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of a one-piece, self-locking nut inaccordance with the present disclosure, and FIG. 1B is a rearperspective view thereof. The one-piece, self-locking nut has a nut body10 with internal threading 11 for threading on a threaded shaft of afastener bolt, and is integrally formed with external, crush-lockinglips 12 provided on a forward contact face 13 of the nut body 10. Theforward contact face 13 of the nut is typically beveled or provided witha slight convex curvature, while the rear face 14 of the nut istypically planar. The dark area 15 indicates a space for deformation ofthe crush-locking lips 12. When the nut is tightened down on an object(e.g., one or more plates being bolted together) on which the fastenerbolt is used, the external, crush-locking lips 12 are forced inwardlyand deform on the threaded shaft of the fastener bolt toward theinternal threading 11 of the nut body, thereby locking (e.g., in apermanent fashion) the one-piece, self-locking nut on the fastener bolt.

FIGS. 2A-2E are sectional views illustrating how the crush-locking lipsof the one-piece, self-locking nut are forced inwardly to deform on thethreaded shaft of a fastener bolt such that the one-piece, self-lockingnut is locked (e.g., permanently) on the fastener bolt. In FIG. 2A, theone-piece, self-locking nut crush-locking lips 12 is threaded on athreaded shaft 22 of a fastener bolt toward an object to be permanentlyfastened. In the figures, the object to be fastened is not shown, andthe bolt head 24 is used for illustration. In FIG. 2B, the nut istorqued down on the fastener head 24 (object) causing the crush-lockinglips 12 to deform inwardly toward the other threads of the nut body 10.In FIG. 2C, the nut is shown partially in section before it is torqueingdown, and FIG. 2D shows the nut after torqueing down. FIG. 2E is anenlarged view showing the nut in permanent locking position, with thehorizontal sets of arrows indicating the compressive forces between theinternal side of the crush-locking lips and the nut body and between theexternal side of the crush-locking lips and the fastener head 24(object) that keep the nut in the permanent locking position. Thevertical arrows indicate the torqueing forces on the nut.

FIG. 3 illustrates exemplary geometry and dimensions for the one-piece,self-locking nut according to some implementations of the presentdisclosure. The crush-locking lips 12 on the forward face of the nutbody 10 may be of isosceles right-triangular cross-section arrangedcircumferentially around internal threading 11. The triangularcross-section may have right angle #3=90°, and corner angles #1 &#2=45°. The base width “C” is approximately equal to the height “B” ofthe crush-locking lips 12. The base width may be about fifty percent ofthe width of the walls of the nut body 10. The hollow space 14 fordeformation of the crush locking lips 12 may be similarly dimensioned toaccommodate the deformation of the crush-locking lips 12 with internalthreading 11 therein. The pitch depth of the threading is indicated as“D,” and the combined dimensions of the base width “C” and the pitchdepth “D” should be approximately equal to the hypotenuse length A ofthe crush-locking lips 12 to accommodate its deformation therein. Thedeformation distance from the crush-locking lips to the space 14 isindicated as “E,” which may be +/−10% to 20% of the nut height. Thedeeper the internal relief cut, the more vibration resistance the nutprovides. The inner diameter of the nut threading 11 is indicated to be“F.” The nut is preferably made of a metal material such as type 304stainless steel, grade 2, super alloy.

As an example, the self-locking nut of half-inch diameter threading attwenty threads-per-inch (“tpi”), made of type 304 stainless steel, wouldhave a target maximum torque of one hundred and twenty foot/pound(ft/lbs), for applying about 10,000 pounds of compression pressure, andabout 7,500 pounds of clamp force. In this example the thickness of thelip material must fully collapse/seat at 8000 pounds to 9000 pounds ofpressure. If the external self-locking lip does not fully seat at thedesired pressure, the thickness of the external self-locking lip must bereduced until it does.

The self-locking nuts of the present disclosure may be made of anystandard nut materials including brass, steel, stainless steel,titanium, plastic, nylon and other materials depending on usagespecifications and demands. The self-locking nuts may be manufacturedusing conventional nut manufacturing methods, such as cutting/turning ona lathe from a single piece of material, hot forming or forging, coldforming, and/or computer-controlled or automated methods of manufactureincluding three-dimensional printing.

The one-piece self-locking nut functions like two nut portions, one a“regular nut” body and the other a thinner “jam nut” with crush-lockinglips that are combined together. The jam nut functions, in part, like awavy/crush washer that is attached to the nut body. When torqued intothe locked position, the material of the crush-locking lips will bedeformed by compression forces into the space of the internal relief cutformed between the two parts. The crush-locking lips, which are on thecontact face of the nut, thread onto the bolt shaft like a conventionalnut until contact is made with an object to be fastened (e.g., the headof the bolt). As torque is applied, the crush-locking lips will start tobe compressed into the threads of the bolt and the internal relief cut.As more torque is applied to overcome the resistance of the deformingcrush-locking lips (e.g., which are unable to rotate), the gap betweenthe two nut parts begins to close as the two nut parts are compressedtogether. The “back nut” is encapsulating the “front nut” which is beingpushed into the “back nut” because it is unable to rotate. The “backnut” compression acts like a hydraulic press to push the “front nut”into the internal relief cut.

Once the target maximum torque is applied, the two nut parts seattogether completely and the combined unit resembles a conventional nut.Since the “front nut” is locked on to the threads of the bolt, the nutcannot be loosened or removed without cutting the nut and/or the boltthreads. The self-locking nut has more vibrational resistance than twoconventional nuts torqued to the bolt against each other, even whenwelded together. The self-locking nut also creates clamp forces by the“front nut” pinching the bolt perpendicular to the internal relief cut,and has more clamp strength than a comparable conventional nut becauseof the self-locking forces.

The one-piece, self-locking nut may be formed in other variationsdepending on the intended environments of usage.

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate a version of the one-piece, self-locking nuthaving slotted crush-locking lips. The outer diameter of the bolt it isto be threaded on is indicated by numeral “1.” The inner diameter of thenut is indicated by numeral “2,” and the difference in diameters beingthe thread pitch is indicated by numeral “3.” The lands of thecrush-locking lips are indicated by numeral “4,” and the slots inbetween lands are indicated by numeral “5.” The internal relief cut isindicated by numeral “6.” The nut body height is indicated by numeral“7.” FIG. 4A shows an external perspective view of the forward face ofthe nut, FIG. 4B shows a sectional view before torqueing, and FIG. 4Cshows a sectional view after torqueing. The crush-locking lips may beformed in a star-shaped configuration with six or twelve points to alignwith the torque edges and/or sides of the typical hex nut. The materialand design of the crush-locking lips may change, including shape,height, size, number and shape of relief cuts may vary depending onintended specific application.

FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate a version of the one-piece, self-locking nuthaving two-sided crush-locking lips. FIG. 5A shows the nut 50 beforetorqueing, and FIG. 5B shows it after torqueing. Both ends of the nuthave self-equalizing locking lips 52 a, 52 b which share one innerrelief cut 55. Torqueing the nut on both ends is self-balancing. Oncetorqued to specification, the self-locking lips are forced, when thematerial yields, up into the nut and bolt threads for firstdirection-locking. Threading in contact on the other side of the boltshaft provides second direction-locking, thus double-locking. Thisversion may also be formed with standard manufacturing techniques andquickly installs using conventional tools and is easily adaptable tospecific applications.

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate a version of the one-piece, self-locking nuthaving equalized two-sided crush-locking lips. FIG. 6A shows the nutbefore torqueing, and FIG. 6B shows it after torqueing. Both ends of thenut have self-equalizing locking lips 62 a, 62 b, each with itsrespective inner relief cut 65 a, 65 b. In effect, it is twoself-locking nuts combined in a single nut.

FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate a version of the one-piece, self-locking nuthaving crush-locking lips made of different material than the nut body.FIG. 7A shows the nut before torqueing, and FIG. 7B shows it aftertorqueing. The nut body 70 may be made of a high strength material suchas steel, while the crush-locking lips 72 may be made of a more readilydeformable or ductile metal for more complete locking strength such asbrass, for example.

FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate a version of the one-piece, self-locking nuthaving flanged crush-locking lips. FIG. 8A shows the nut beforetorqueing, and FIG. 8B shows it after torqueing. The self-locking nutbody 80 may be formed with crush-locking lips 82 and built-in flangewasher 86. The flange washer may also be provided in the two-sidedself-locking and two-sided combined versions.

FIGS. 9A-9E illustrate an example of the stages of manufacturing aone-piece, self-locking nut. In FIG. 9A, manufacture starts with aformed (raw) “castle nut” as a base (left side of the figure shows aside cut-away view, and the right side shows a ¾ perspective view). Thecastle nut is made of solid metal material with no center hole orthreads. In FIG. 9B, an inner relief cut (IRC) is drilled or cut intothe top of castle nut to form a centered hole. The depth of the hole isdetermined by the selected external depth of the self-locking lips (SLL)to be formed, and the diameter of the hole is determined by the intendedSLL thickness. In FIG. 9C, the SLL is formed by crimping the sidessurrounding the hole with a shaping die (SD). In FIG. 9D, the SLL isshown crimped in position. In FIG. 9E, the self-locking nut hole isdrilled and tapped in a similar manner as a standard nut (“Std Nut”shown for comparison in the upper part of the left side of the figure).

Referring generally to FIGS. 10A-10I, a self-locking nut 100 includes amain-nut body 120 and a deformable-nut body 150. The self-locking nut100 can also be referred to as a one-piece Dynamic Inner Relief Cut(“DRIC”) nut. According to some implementations of the presentdisclosure, the self-locking nut 100 can have a height (when themain-nut body 120 is assembled together with the deformable-nut body 150as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B) that is about the same as a standard nut(e.g., between about 0.2 inches and about 1 inch, about 0.2 inches,about 0.25 inches, about 0.32 inches, about 0.43 inches, about 0.85inches, or any other height, etc.). The self-locking nut 100 can be madefrom one or more materials, such as, for example, brass, steel,stainless steel (e.g., type 304 stainless steel, grade 2, super alloy),titanium, plastic, nylon, etc. The main-nut body 120 and thedeformable-nut body 150 are made from the same material (e.g., steel).Alternatively, the main-nut body 120 is made from a first material havea first set of properties and the deformable-nut body 150 is made from asecond material have a second set of properties that is different thanthe first set of properties. For example, in such alternatives, thesecond material may be relatively more ductile than the first material.

According to some implementations of the present disclosure, the heightof the main-nut body 120 can range from 10% of to 50 times a standard(e.g., ASTM or SAE) nut-body height and the height of the deformable-nutbody 150 can range from 0.5 turns of a thread to 95% of the height ofthe main-nut body 120. The sizes of the main-nut body 120 and thedeformable-nut body 150 can be selected for a specific application basedon the desired installation torque, removal torque, clamping force, andvibration resistance. For example, for a standard (e.g., ASTM A563) ¼inch-20 thread per inch nut, where the standard height is approx.0.21875 inches, the height of the main-nut body according to someembodiments of the invention can be from 0.021875 inches to 11 incheshigh and the height of the deformable-nut body can range from 0.5threads (0.025 inches) to 209 threads (10.45 inches). Similarly, thethickness of the outer flange 170 can range from about 0.0079 inches toover 10.45 inches depending on the desired clamping force of theapplication.

The main-nut body 120 has a front surface 122 (FIG. 10D), an opposingback surface 124 (FIGS. 10A and 10D), an outer surface 126 (FIGS.10A-10E), an interior threaded bore 130 (FIGS. 10A, 10C-10E), and arecess 140 (FIGS. 10C-10E). The outer surface 126 of the main-nut body120 is configured to be engaged by a tool (not shown), such as, forexample, a torque wrench, to rotate the self-locking nut 100 on athreaded bolt 200 (shown in FIGS. 10F-10H) causing the main-nut body 120to move axially in a direction of arrow A towards one or more objects300 a, 300 b (e.g., a plate) to be secured (e.g., bolted togetherbetween a head 220 of the threaded bolt 200 and the self-locking nut100). As shown, the outer surface 126 of the main-nut body 120 is shapedsuch that the main-nut body 120 has a generally hexagonal outercross-section, but other shapes for the outer surface 126 arecontemplated (e.g., square, oval, triangle, rectangle, polygon, etc.)such that the tool can engage the self-locking nut 100 in anon-rotational fashion (e.g., the tool can cause the self-locking nut100 to rotate relative to the threaded bolt 200).

The interior threaded bore 130 (FIGS. 10A, 10C-10E) of the main-nut body120 forms a plurality of turns of an internal thread 132 (FIGS. 10C-10E)therein. As best shown in FIGS. 10D and 10E, the interior threaded bore130 forms about five complete turns of the internal thread 132 therein.According to some implementations of the present disclosure, the numberof threads in the main-nut body 120 can be a function of the threadpitch and the height of the main-nut body 120 (e.g., a one inch standardeight threads-per-inch nut is about 0.859 inches high and includes 6.875threads). According to some implementations of the present disclosure,the interior threaded bore 130 forms between about 3.25 turns and abouteight turns of the internal thread 132 therein. In some implementations,the interior threaded bore 130 forms at least two complete turns of theinternal thread 132 therein. In some implementations, the interiorthreaded bore 130 forms at least three complete turns of the internalthread 132 therein. In some implementations, the interior threaded bore130 forms at least four complete turns of the internal thread 132therein. In some implementations, the interior threaded bore 130 formsat least five complete turns of the internal thread 132 therein. In someimplementations, depending on the application for the self-locking nut100, the number of turns of the internal thread 132 can vary betweenabout two turns and about four hundred turns of the internal thread 132therein. In some such implementations, the more torque required for anapplication requires more turns of the internal thread 132.

The recess 140 (FIGS. 10C-10E) is in the front surface 122 (FIG. 10D)and extends into the main-nut body 120 towards the opposing back surface124 of the main-nut body 120. As best shown in FIG. 10C, the recess 140is an inwardly tapered recess that is annular. As shown in FIG. 10D, therecess 140 is tapered with respect to a central axis X_(c) of theself-locking nut 100 at an angle, θ, of about 45 degrees. Alternatively,the recess 140 can tapered with respect to the central axis X_(c) of theself-locking nut 100 at an angle, θ, which is between about 0 degreesand about 90 degrees, more preferably, the recess 140 is tapered withrespect to the central axis X_(c) of the self-locking nut 100 at theangle, θ, which is between about 30 degrees and about 75 degrees. Therecess 140 has a height that is about twenty-five percent of the heightof a standard nut (e.g., between about 0.05 inches and about 0.25inches, about 0.05 inches, about 0.07 inches, about 0.08 inches, about0.09 inches, about 0.1 inches, about 0.25 inches, etc.). In someimplementations, the recess 140 has a height that is between about onepercent and about twenty-five percent of a total height of the main-nutbody 120 (e.g., about one percent, about two percent, about fivepercent, about ten percent, about twenty percent, etc.).

The deformable-nut body 150 has a central body portion 155 (FIGS. 10Dand 10E) and an outer flange 170 (FIGS. 10B-10E). The central bodyportion 155 defines an interior threaded bore 160 (FIGS. 10B-10E) of thedeformable-nut body 150. The deformable-nut body 150 has a front surface152 (FIGS. 10C-10E), an opposing back surface 154 (FIG. 10D), an outersurface 156 (FIGS. 10C-10E), an inclined front face 172 (FIG. 10D), andan inclined rear face 174 (FIG. 10D). The central body portion 155 isgenerally defined as the portion of the deformable-nut body 150 that isbetween the outer flange 170 and the interior threaded bore 160 andbetween the inclined front face 172 and the inclined rear face 174. Asdescribed in further detail below, the central body portion 155 deformsand/or plasticizes during installation of the self-locking nut 100.According to some implementations of the present disclosure, a lubricant(e.g., oils, WD40, Teflon, etc.) can be used between the self-lockingnut 100 and objects 300 a, 300 b (see FIGS. 10F-H) to be bolted togetherto enable the central body portion 155 to rotate relative to the objects300 a, 300 b and increase the clamping force and facilitate thedeformation or plasticization of the central body portion 155 in therecess 140 of main-nut body 120.

In some implementations, the deformable-nut body 150 has a general“flying saucer” shape that is formed symmetrically about a transverseplane. As best shown in FIG. 10D, the inclined front face 172 and theinclined rear face 174 are both at angles of α and β, respectively,relative to horizontal and/or relative to the outer flange 170. Asshown, the angles α and β are each about one hundred and fifty degrees.Alternatively, in some implementations, the angles α and β can be anyangle between about ninety degrees and about one hundred and eightydegrees (e.g., about 90 degrees, about 100 degrees, about 110 degrees,about 120 degrees, about 130 degrees, about 140 degrees, about 150degrees, about 160 degrees, about 170 degrees, about 180 degrees, etc.).More preferably, each of the angles α and β is between about one hundreddegrees and about one hundred and seventy degrees. While the angles αand β are shown as being the same, the angles α and β can different. Forexample, the angle α can be about 130 degrees and the angle β can beabout 160 degrees. Any combination of different angles α and β iscontemplated. In some alternative implementations described furtherbelow, the angles α and can be any angle between about ninety degreesand about two hundred and seventy degrees.

Alternatively to the deformable-nut body 150 having a general “flyingsaucer” shape formed by the inclined front face 172 and the inclinedrear face 174 being at angles α and between ninety degrees and onehundred and eighty degrees, the deformable-nut body 150 can have aninverted central body portion (not shown) that is inverted on the frontface and/or inverted on the rear face. In such alternativeimplementations, the angles α and β are greater than one hundred andeighty degrees. For example, a deformable nut body can have an invertedfront face (not shown) and an inverted rear face (not shown) at angles αand β between about one hundred and eighty-one degrees and about twohundred and five degrees. According to some such implementations wherethe deformable-nut body is inverted, the recess 140 of the main-nut body120 can be altered from (i) extending into the main-nut body 120 towardsthe opposing back surface 124 of the main-nut body 120 to (ii) extendingout of the main-nut body 120 away from the opposing back surface 124 ofthe main-nut body 120 (e.g., an outwardly tapered recess).

According to some implementations of the present disclosure, thedeformable-nut body 150 and/or the central body portion 155 has a heightthat is about one-third the height of a standard nut (e.g., betweenabout 0.07 inches and about 0.33 inches, about 0.066 inches, about 0.08inches, about 0.11 inches, about 0.15 inches, about 0.33 inches, etc.).In some implementations, the height of the central body portion 155 canbe in the range from about one-half of the height of a single thread toabout 95% of the height of the main-nut body 120. In someimplementations, the deformable-nut body 150 and/or the central bodyportion 155 has a height that is between about one percent and aboutninety-five percent of a total height of the main-nut body 120 (e.g.,about one percent, about two percent, about five percent, about tenpercent, about twenty percent, about twenty-five percent, about thirtypercent, about thirty-five percent, about forty percent, aboutforty-five percent, about ninety-five percent, etc.). More preferably,the deformable-nut body 150 and/or the central body portion 155 has aheight that is between about five percent and about thirty-five percentof the total height of the main-nut body 120. Any combination ofdifferent heights for the deformable-nut body 150 and the main-nut body120 is contemplated.

The front surface 152 of the deformable-nut body 150 is the forward mostsurface of the self-locking nut 100 that is positioned to engage theobjects 300 a, 300 b (see FIGS. 10F-H) to be bolted together (e.g.,between the bolt head 220 and the self-locking nut 100), which limitsthe axial movement of the deformable-nut body 150 during installation ofthe self-locking nut 100.

The outer surface 156 of the deformable-nut body 150 is configured to beengaged by the tool (not shown), in the same fashion as the outersurface 126. As shown, the outer surface 156 of the deformable-nut body150 is shaped such that the deformable-nut body 150 has a generallyhexagonal outer cross-section, but other shapes for the outer surface156 are contemplated such that the tool can engage the self-locking nut100 in a non-rotational fashion (e.g., the tool can cause theself-locking nut 100 to rotate relative to the threaded bolt 200).

The interior threaded bore 160 of the deformable-nut body 150 forms aplurality of turns of an internal thread 162 therein. As shown, theinternal thread 162 of the deformable-nut body 150 has the same pitchand depth as the internal thread 132 of the main-nut body 120 such thatthe self-locking nut 100 can be readily threaded onto (i.e., screwed on)the threaded bolt 200. Alternatively, the internal thread 162 of thedeformable-nut body 150 can have a pitch and/or depth that are differentthan the pitch and the depth as the internal thread 132 of the main-nutbody 120 (e.g., the internal thread 162 of the deformable-nut body 150is not timed with and/or not aligned with the internal thread 132 of themain-nut body 120). As best shown in FIGS. 10C-10E, the interiorthreaded bore 160 forms about two complete turns of the internal thread162 therein. Alternatively, the interior threaded bore 160 forms betweenabout 0.125 turns and about 200 turns of the internal thread 162therein. More preferably, the interior threaded bore 160 forms betweenabout 0.5 turns and about 4 turns of the internal thread 162 therein. Insome implementations, the interior threaded bore 160 forms less thanthree complete turns of the internal thread 162 therein (see for exampleFIG. 10D). In some implementations, the interior threaded bore 160 formsless than two complete turns of the internal thread 162 therein (see forexample FIG. 15A). In some implementations, the interior threaded bore160 forms less than one complete turn of the internal thread 162 therein(see for example FIG. 15B).

In some implementations, the number of turns of the internal thread 132of the interior threaded bore 130 of the main-nut body 120 and thenumber of turns of the internal thread 162 of the interior threaded bore160 of the deformable-nut body 150 is expressed as a ratio of 2:1, 3:1,or 4:1. In some such examples when the ratio is 2:1, if the internalthread 132 of the main-nut body 120 has four threads, the internalthread 162 of the deformable-nut body 150 would have two threads.Similarly, when the ratio is 3:1, if the internal thread 132 of themain-nut body 120 has six threads, the internal thread 162 of thedeformable-nut body 150 would have two threads.

The outer flange 170 of the deformable-nut body 150 is relativelythinner than the central body portion 155 of the deformable-nut body 150such that the outer flange 170 is able to act as a pivot and/or fulcrumpoint for the central body portion 155 to deform/plasticize about duringinstallation of the self-locking nut 100 on, for example, a threadedbolt shaft 240 of the threaded bolt 200. In some implementations, theouter flange 170 of the deformable-nut body 150 has a first elasticmodulus and the rest of the deformable-nut body 150 has a second elasticmodulus that is greater than the first elastic modulus. In someimplementations, the outer flange 170 has a thickness between about0.0004 inches and about 12 inches. More preferably, the outer flange 170has a thickness between about 0.002 inches and about 0.5 inches. In someimplementation, the outer flange 170 has a thickness that is betweenabout 10 percent to about 80 percent of a maximum/total height of thedeformable-nut body 150. More preferably, the outer flange 170 has athickness that is between about 15 percent to about 30 percent of themaximum/total height of the deformable-nut body 150.

As best shown in FIGS. 10B and 10C, the outer flange 170 extendsoutwardly from the central body portion 155 such that the entirety ofthe outer surface 156 of the deformable-nut body 150 is co-planar withthe entirety of the outer surface 126 of the main-nut body 120 (i.e.,about the entire circumference of the self-locking nut 100).Alternatively, the outer flange 170 extends outwardly from the centralbody portion 155 such that only a portion of the outer surface 156 ofthe deformable-nut body 150 is co-planar with the outer surface 126 ofthe main-nut body 120. For example, if the outer surface 156 has anouter circular cross-section with a diameter equal to a minimum width ofthe main-nut body 120, then only tangential portions of the outersurface 156 of the deformable-nut body 150 would be co-planar with theouter surface 126 of the main-nut body 120. In another alternative, theouter flange 170 extends outwardly such that none of the outer surface156 of the deformable-nut body 150 is co-planar with the outer surface126 of the main-nut body 120 (e.g., when a maximum outer diameter of thedeformable-nut body 150 is less than a minimum outer diameter of themain-nut body 120). In some such implementations where none of the outersurface 156 is co-planar with the outer surface 126, the tool engagingthe self-locking nut 100 during installation would not directly engagethe deformable-nut body 150.

During assembly and/or creation of the self-locking nut 100 as bestshown by a comparison of FIGS. 10D and 10E, the outer flange 170 of thedeformable-nut body 150 is attached to the front surface 122 of themain-nut body 120 such that a relief space 180 (FIGS. 10C and 10E) isformed between a portion of the deformable-nut body 150 and the recess140 of the main-nut body 120. Specifically, as best shown in FIG. 10E,the relief space 180 is formed between the recess 140 and (i) a portionof the outer flange 170, the inclined rear face 174, and the backsurface 154. The relief space 180 provides an area for thedeformable-nut body 150 to deform into (e.g., elastically flow viaplastic deformation) during installation of the self-locking nut 100 onthe threaded bolt shaft 240 of the threaded bolt 200 (as shown in FIGS.10F-10H). In some implementations, the central body portion 155 of thedeformable-nut body 150 deforms into (e.g., elastically flow via plasticdeformation) the relief space 180. In some implementations, a portion ofthe flange 170 also deforms into (e.g., elastically flow via plasticdeformation) the relief space 180. The outer flange 170 can bepermanently and/or non-rotationally attached/fixed to the main-nut body120 via welding, soldering (e.g., silver soldered), gluing,sonic-welding, etc. or any combination of attachment methods such thatthe deformable-nut body 150 and the main-nut body 120 cannot rotate(e.g., about the central axis X_(c) of the self-locking nut 100)relative to each other. According to some implementations of the presentdisclosure, the main-nut body 120 and the deformable-nut body 150 becomean integral unit (e.g., once attached together) such that rotating themain-nut body 120 (e.g., during installation of the self-locking nut100) causes a corresponding/identical rotation of the deformable-nutbody 150.

Generally, during installation of the self-locking nut 100, the amountof the relief space 180 is reduced. As best shown in FIGS. 10C and 10E,the outer flange 170 of the deformable-nut body 150 is fixed to themain-nut body 120 such that a generally cylindrical portion of therelief space 180 is established between the interior threaded bore 160of the deformable-nut body 150 and the interior threaded bore 130 of themain-nut body 120. As best shown in the pre-installation (e.g.,pre-torqueing of the self-locking nut 100 that causes deformation of thedeformable-nut body 150) configuration in FIGS. 10E and 10F, thegenerally cylindrical portion of the relief space 180 has a first heightH₁ prior to installation of the self-locking nut 100, for example, onthe threaded bolt 200. Additionally, as shown in the fully installedconfiguration in FIG. 10H (bolt 200 shown) and FIG. 10I (bolt 200removed for illustrative purposes), the generally cylindrical portion ofthe relief space 180 has a second height H₂, wherein the second heightH₂ is less than the first height H₁ (e.g., the second height H₂ is tenpercent or twenty percent or thirty percent or forty percent or fiftypercent or sixty percent or seventy percent or eighty percent of thefirst height H₁; the second height H₂ is between about ten percent andabout ninety percent of the first height H₁, etc.). For example, thefirst height H₁ is about one-eighth of an inch and the second height H₂is about one-sixteenth of an inch. In some implementations, the secondheight H₂ has a height that is about six percent of the height of astandard nut (e.g., between about 0.01 inches and about 0.06 inches,about 0.015 inches, about 0.02 inches, about 0.025 inches, about 0.03inches, about 0.04 inches, about 0.06 inches, etc.).

Put another way, prior to installation of the self-locking nut 100 onthe threaded bolt shaft 240 (FIG. 10F), a first portion of thedeformable-nut body 150 is contained in the recess 140 (FIG. 10D) of themain-nut body 120. After installation of the self-locking nut 100 on thethreaded bolt shaft 240 (FIGS. 10H and 10I), a second portion of thedeformable-nut body 150 is contained in the recess 140 of the main-nutbody 120, wherein the second portion of the deformable-nut body 150 hasa larger volume than the first portion of the deformable-nut body 150.Similarly, due to the deformation of the deformable-nut body 150 duringinstallation, the deformable-nut body 150 has a first shape (e.g., aflying saucer-type shape) prior to installation of the self-locking nut100 on the threaded bolt shaft 240 and a different second shape (e.g., aflattened on one-side flying saucer-type shape, such as on the frontface 172) after installation of the self-locking nut 100 on the threadedbolt shaft 240.

With reference to FIGS. 10D and 10E, a method of making the self-lockingnut 100 is described. As shown in FIG. 10D, the method includesproviding the main-nut body 120 having the recess 140 that leads intothe interior threaded bore 130 with x number of turns of the internalthread 132 therein (e.g., more than three turns, four turns, one turn,five turns, ten turns, twenty turns, etc.). The method also includesproviding the deformable-nut body 150 having the central body portion155, the outer flange 170, and the interior threaded bore 160 with ynumber of turns of the internal thread 162 therein (e.g., less thanthree turns, 2.5 turns, 2 turns, 1.75 turns, 1.5 turns, one turn, 0.5turns, 5 turns, 10 turns, etc.). In some implementations, x is greaterthan y. In some implementations, a ratio of x:y is 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1,etc. As shown in FIG. 10E, these two provided pieces are then fixedtogether by, for example, fixing the outer flange 170 of thedeformable-nut body 150 to the main-nut body 120 via welding, soldering,gluing, sonic-welding, etc. or any combination of attachment methodssuch that the relief space 180 (FIG. 10E) is formed between thedeformable-nut body 150 and the recess 140. The deformable-nut body 150can also be provided with the outer surface 156 that is configured to beengaged by the tool (not shown), in the same fashion as the outersurface 126. Additionally, the method includes fixing the outer flange156 of the deformable-nut body 150 to the main-nut body 120 such thatthe deformable-nut body 150 cannot rotate relative to the main-nut body120.

The above described method provides the main-nut body 120 and thedeformable-nut body 150 already having the threads 132/162 therein.Alternatively, the main-nut body 120 and the deformable-nut body 150 maybe provided without already having the threads 132/162 therein. Forexample, in such a method of making a self-locking nut, a deformable-nutbody having a central body portion, an outer flange, and a non-threadedinterior bore is provided. Then, a main-nut body having a recess leadinginto a non-threaded interior bore is provided. The outer flange of thedeformable-nut body is then fixed to the main-nut body in the same orsimilar fashion as described above such that a relief space is formedbetween the deformable-nut body and the recess. With the deformable-nutbody fixed to the main-nut body, the self-locking nut is then tapped(e.g., threads are cut therein). First the interior bore of thedeformable-nut body is tapped such that a number of turns of an internalthread are formed therein (e.g., less than three turns of the thread,two turns, etc.) and then the interior bore of the main-nut body istapped such that a number of turns of an internal thread are formedtherein (e.g., more than three turns of the thread, five turns, sixturns, etc.). Alternatively, the self-locking nut can be tapped in theopposing direction such that the interior bore of the main-nut body istapped and then the interior bore of the deformable-nut body is tapped.In either direction of tapping, the tapping occurs with the same tool,one piece after the other.

Alternatively, the tapping of the interior bore of the deformable-nutbody 150 and/or the tapping of the interior bore of the main-nut body120 may occur at the same time with two identical tools. In yet afurther alternative, the tapping of the interior bore of thedeformable-nut body 150 and/or the tapping of the interior bore of themain-nut body 120 may occur with two different tools. In such analternative implementation, the tapping can yield two threaded boreswith differently pitched threads and/or differently sized threads. Toaid in the installation of such a self-locking nut with differentthreaded bores for the deformable-nut body 150 and the main-nut body120, the materials of the deformable-nut body 150 and the main-nut body120 may be different (e.g., the material of the deformable-nut body 150may be softer than the material of the main-nut body 120).

Now referring to FIGS. 10F-10H, a method of permanently locking theself-locking nut 100 on the threaded bolt shaft 240 of the threaded bolt200 is described. Initially, the threaded bolt shaft 240 is positionedthrough an opening in objects 300 a, 300 b such that a portion of thethreaded bolt shaft 240 protrudes from the opening and such that thehead 220 of the threaded bolt 200 abuts a surface 301 a of the object300 a. Then the self-locking nut 100 is threaded onto the portion of thethreaded bolt shaft 240 protruding from the opening by rotating theself-locking nut 100 in a first rotational direction (as shown in FIG.10F as being clockwise, but could be counterclockwise in otherimplementations). This rotation of the self-locking nut 100 causes theself-locking nut 100 to move axially in the direction of arrow A towardsa surface 301 b of the object 300 b and towards the head 220 of thethreaded bolt 200. The self-locking nut 100 is continued to be rotatedon the portion of the threaded bolt shaft 240 until the front surface152 of the deformable-nut body 150 abuts and/or first contacts thesurface 301 b of the object 300 b. Then with the front surface 152 ofthe deformable-nut body 150 abutting the surface 301 b of the object 300b, a rotational torque is applied (e.g., using a torque wrench), in thefirst rotational direction, to the self-locking nut 100. This torqueingcauses the main-nut body 120 to move axially in the direction of arrow Aand further causes the deformable-nut body 150 to deform (e.g., thecentral body portion 155 deforms, the outer flange 170 deforms, orboth). As the deformable-nut body 150 deforms, a portion of thedeformable-nut body 150 (e.g., a portion of the central body portion155, a portion of the outer flange 170, or a combination thereof) entersinto the relief space 180 formed between the deformable-nut body 150 andthe main-nut body 120.

As shown by a comparison of FIGS. 10F and 10G, the deformable-nut body150 has started to deform and enter into the relief space 180. Further,as shown by a comparison of FIGS. 10G and 10H, the deformable-nut body150 deformed even more with more of the deformable-nut body 150 enteredinto the relief space 180. In addition to the deformable-nut body 150entering into the relief space 180, the surface 301 b impedes and/orprevents the deformable-nut body 150 from moving in the direction ofarrow A, which results in the front surface 152 and/or the inclinedfront face 172 flattening out, which can be seen by comparing FIG. 10F(prior to torqueing and not flattened) with FIG. 10H (after torqueingand flattened). More specifically, in some implementations, the inclinedfront face 172 flattens out, which changes angle α from about onehundred and fifty degrees to about one hundred and eighty degrees (e.g.,essentially flat/co-planar with the outer flange 170 and/or horizontal).

The deformation of the deformable-nut body 150 (e.g., the deformation ofthe central body portion 155) during the torqueing causes theself-locking nut 100 to lock onto the threaded bolt shaft 240 of thethreaded bolt 200. Specifically, as best shown in the enlarged portionsof FIGS. 10F-10H, the interaction of the threads 242 of the threadedbolt shaft 240 with (1) the threads 162 of the deformable-nut body 150and (2) the threads 132 of the main-nut body 120 causes the self-lockingnut 100 to clamp onto and/or lock onto the threaded bolt shaft 240 byforming a compression zone of opposing compressive forces applied to thethreads 242 of the threaded bolt shaft 240.

As shown in FIG. 10F, prior to any torqueing of the self-locking nut100, the threads 242 of the threaded bolt shaft 240 are positioned withgenerally equal spacing (e.g., equal gaps) above and below the threads242. In this configuration, minimal forces (e.g., frictional forces)hold the self-locking nut 100 on the threaded bolt 200. Once theself-locking nut 100 is torqued in the first rotational direction,because the front surface 152 of the deformable-nut body 150 cannot movein the direction of arrow A, the deformation of the deformable-nut body150 begins (e.g., the deformation of the central body portion 155),which causes the underside of the threads 162 of the deformable-nut body150 (e.g., the outer surface of the threads 162 with respect to theobject 300 b) to engage the upperside of the threads 242 of the threadedbolt shaft 240 (e.g., the inner surface of the threads 242 with respectto the object 300 b). At the same time, because the main-nut body 120can move in the direction of arrow A (e.g., due to the relief space180), the torqueing of the self-locking nut 100 in the first rotationaldirection causes the main-nut body 120 and its threads 132 to move inthe direction of arrow A, which causes the upperside of the threads 132(e.g., the inner surface of the threads 132 with respect to the object300 b) to engage the lowerside of the threads 242 of the threaded boltshaft 240 (e.g., the outer surface of the threads 242 with respect tothe object 300 b). The opposing engagement of the threads 242 of thethreaded bolt shaft 240 creates the compression zone where the main-nutbody 120 applies a force generally in the direction of arrow A and thedeformable-nut body 150 applies a force generally in a directionopposite of arrow A such that the self-locking nut 100 clamps onto orlocks on the threaded bolt 200. This compression zone consisting ofopposing compressive forces creates permanent internal pressure which,by Newton's Third Law of physics, is resistant (e.g., fully resistant)to vibration and loosening (e.g., the resistance is limited only by thematerial strength of the self-locking nut 100 itself). The permanentinternal pressure created results in a permanent locking feature that isdifferent from other nut fasteners in that the self-locking nut 100 ofthe present disclosure does not rely on thread friction for vibrationresistance. Vibration resistance is created by internal permanentpressure (pre-compression) which is reinforced by the tensile andcompressive strength of the self-locking nut material.

In addition to the creation of the compression zone, the plasticizing ofthe deformable-nut body 150 aids in (e.g., is critical to) the creationof a permanent lock that prevents the self-locking nut 100 from rotatingor backing off the threaded bolt 200. The internal pressure created bythe compression zone (opposing compressive forces) becomes permanentonce the deformable-nut body 120 is deformed and plasticized to athreshold degree. Specifically, after the deformable-nut body 150deforms/plasticizes as described herein, the threads 162 of thedeformable-nut body 150 remain in time with and/or aligned with thethreads 132 of the main-nut body 120, and each of the threads 162 of thedeformable-nut body 150 and the threads 132 of the main-nut body 120remain in time with and/or aligned with the threads 242 of the threadedbolt 200. To illustrate this, by way of an example, after installationof the self-locking nut 100, if the main-nut body 120 were to becircumferentially cut across the affixation point of the outer flange170 of the deformable-nut body 150 to the front surface of the main-nutbody 120, both the main-nut body 120 and the deformable-nut body 150could be freely rotated off of the threaded bolt 200, with the threads132, 162 remaining intact (e.g., not being stripped). However, if theself-locking nut 100 remains intact (i.e., the deformable-nut body 150is not circumferentially cut across the affixation point of the outerflange 170), once the deformable-nut body 150 has been plasticized(e.g., permanently deformed) during the installation, the internalpressure generated from the compression zone becomes permanent andcannot be released without destruction of the threads 162 of thedeformable-nut body 150. To illustrate this by way of further example, asufficient force to overcome the internal pressure, accomplished byapplying a reverse direction torque to the main-nut body 120, wouldresult in the stripping of the threads 162 of the deformable nut body150 (e.g., destruction of the self-locking nut 100) because the main-nutbody 120 can withstand the higher pressure due to its increased numberof threads 132 relative to the fewer number of threads 162 of thedeformable-nut body 150. That is the pressure is beyond the capacity ofthe deformable-nut body 150, which has a fewer number of threadsrelative the main-nut body 120. The permanent internal pressure isreleased when forcibly removing the self-locking nut 100 (e.g., byapplying sufficient reverse torque) only when the threads 162 of thedeformable-nut body 150 strip (e.g., the material of the threads 162fails).

As described above, once the deformable-nut body 150 plasticizes, theinternal pressure from the compression zone becomes permanent, andcannot be released without destruction of the threads 162 of thedeformable-nut body 150. The deformable-nut body 150 threads 162 stripbecause they require less pressure to strip than to overcome thecompressive pressures of the compression zone. Stated another way, thethreads 162 of the deformable-nut body 150 will strip before thepermanent internal pressure is released. In order for the self-lockingnut 100 to be removed by vibration, the vibration force would have to beof such a degree as to cause failure of the material, i.e. overcome thestrength of the material. The self-locking nut 100 is vibration-proof upto the limit of the strength of the self-locking nut material itself.The only way the self-locking nut 100 could vibrate loose is if thematerial strength fails, but then the threads 162 of the deformable-nutbody 150 would be stripped and the self-locking nut 100 would not beable to reverse out.

As described above, to remove the self-locking nut 100 from a bolt onceinstalled, a significant amount of force would need to be applied suchthat the threads 132 and/or the threads 162 would be stripped during theattempted removal of the self-locking nut 100. Further, after thedeformable-nut body 150 deforms/plasticizes as described herein, thepressure (in addition to the compressive forces described above) due tothe extra material pressed up against the threads 242 of the threadedbolt 200 results in additional (e.g., radial and/or axial) compressiveforces plus a relatively increased amount of friction between thethreaded bolt 200 and the self-locking nut 100 which further preventsmovement of the self-locking nut 100.

The combination of the compression zone permanent internal pressureconsisting of opposing compressive forces, plus the additional lockingforces created by the applied torque and deformation of thedeformable-nut-body 150, permits the self-locking nut 100 to achieve asuperior holding force (e.g., as compared with prior nut fasteners),which can be considered a permanent lock, which retains its clamp loadpressure even if the threaded bolt 200 with the installed self-lockingnut 100 is cut into quarters axially or profile cut.

In some implementations, installation of the self-locking nut 100 on thethreaded bolt 200 against the object 300 b (e.g., with the correctamount of torque applied), results in a majority or most of the spacebetween the threads 162 of the deformable-nut body 150 and the threads242 of the threaded bolt 200 being removed due to the deformation of thedeformable-nut body 150. In such implementations, the deformationchanges αt least a portion of the self-locking nut 100 and at least aportion of the threaded bolt 200 into almost one piece of material. Sucha self-locking nut 100 has a relatively higher strength-to-weight ratiothan a conventional nut. Additionally, such a self-locking nut 100 has arelatively higher/better resistance to vibration than a conventionalnut, as the self-locking nut 100 is almost vibration proof or isvibration proof.

The self-locking nuts of the present disclosure can be used to replacerivets and welding with an improved/superior faster. The self-lockingnuts of the present disclosure are theft-resistant when installed (e.g.,on the threaded bolt 200), and thus, are useful in many securityapplications. The locking strength of the self-locking nut 100 can bealtered by modifying the depth and position of the recess 140 and/or theprofile of the back surface 154 of the deformable-nut body 150 and/orthe material(s) used to form the self-locking nut 100. The self-lockingnut 100 weighs about the same as a conventional nut (e.g., between about0.03 pounds (for a ½ inch nut) and about 0.3 pounds (for a 1 inch nut)).The self-locking nut 100 can be faster to install than one and two-piececonventional nuts. Further, the self-locking nut 100 is threaded suchthat it threads onto a bolt with no or very little resistance just likea conventional nut and uses relatively less material than conventionaltwo-piece locking nuts.

The self-locking nuts of the present disclosure are shown and describedas having a variety of configurations and variety of numbers of turns ofinternal threads. Various other implementations are contemplated, suchas, for example, the implementations described in the table below:

Number of Turns Number of Turns of Internal of Internal Thread ofInterior Thread of Interior Self-Locking Nut Threaded Bore of ThreadedBore of Implementations Main-Nut Body Deformable-Nut Body Nut #1 1.75 1Nut #2 2.0 1 Nut #3 2.25 1 Nut #4 2.5 1 Nut #5 2.75 1 Nut #6 3.0 1 Nut#7 3.75 1 Nut #8 4.0 1 Nut #9 3.5 2 Nut #10 4.0 2 Nut #11 4.5 2 Nut #125.0 2 Nut #13 5.5 2 Nut #14 6.0 2 Nut #15 7.5 2 Nut #16 8.0 2 Nut #177.0 4 Nut #18 8.0 4 Nut #19 9.0 4 Nut #20 10.0 4 Nut #21 11.0 4 Nut #2212.0 4 Nut #23 15.0 4 Nut #24 16.0 4

In some implementations, a self-locking nut of the present disclosureincludes a main-nut body with an interior threaded bore having about 3.5turns of an internal thread therein and a deformable-nut body with aninterior threaded bore having about two turns of an internal threadtherein. In some other implementations, a self-locking nut of thepresent disclosure includes a main-nut body with an interior threadedbore having about 3.5 turns of an internal thread therein and adeformable-nut body with an interior threaded bore having about twoturns of an internal thread therein.

The self-locking nuts of the preset disclosure are shown and describedas having a deformable-nut body 150 with an interior threaded bore 160;however, in some alternative implementations, the deformable-nut body150 does not have an interior threaded bore, but rather has anon-threaded or smooth interior bore (not shown). In suchimplementations, during installation, the deformable-nut body 150 wouldstill deform.

In accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure, theheight of the main-nut body 120 ranges from about ten percent to aboutfifty times the height of a standard nut height and the height of thedeformable-nut body 150 ranges from about 0.5 turns of a thread to aboutninety-five percent of the height of the main-nut body 120. For example,in some such implementations, for a standard (e.g., ASTM A563) ¼ inch-20thread per inch nut, where the standard height is approx. 0.21875inches, the height of the main-nut body 120 is between about 0.021875inches and about 11 inches high and the height of the deformable-nutbody 150 is between about 0.5 threads (about 0.025 inches) and about 209threads (about 10.45 inches). Similarly, a thickness of the outer flange170 of the deformable-nut body 150 is between about 0.0079 inches andabout 10.45 inches.

According to some alternative implementations of the present disclosure,the deformable-nut body 150 has a relatively coarse internal thread andthe main-nut body 120 has a relatively fine internal thread, where thefine and coarse threads are in time with one another (e.g., aligned). Insome such implementations, the fine/coarse self-locking nut is designedto be used with a fine threaded bolt that includes an external threadthat corresponds with the fine thread of the main-nut body 120, suchthat the coarse threads of the deformable-nut body 150 “fit” and threadover the bolt during installation with being stripped. In such aninstallation, deformable-nut body 150 still deforms as the main-nut body120 is torqued.

While the main-nut body 120 and the deformable-nut body 150 are shown inFIGS. 10A-10I and described herein as having certain shapes, sizes,dimensions, features, various alternative self-locking nuts havingvarious alternative main-nut bodies and deformable-nut bodies that aresimilar to the self-locking nut 100 are contemplated. By way of example,self-locking nuts 400, 500, 600, and 700 are described below inreference to FIGS. 11A-14C focusing on the main differences betweenself-locking nuts 400, 500, 600, and 700 and the self-locking nut 100describe above. Features, shapes, and sizes of the self-locking nuts400, 500, 600, and 700 that are not specifically described herein arethe same as, or similar to the corresponding feature(s) of theself-locking nut 100.

Generally referring to FIGS. 11A-11C, a self-locking nut 400 includes amain-nut body 420 and a deformable-nut body 450 that are the same as, orsimilar to, the main-nut body 120 and the deformable-nut body 150described herein. The self-locking nut 400 mainly differs from theself-locking nut 100 in that the deformable-nut body 450 has a differentshape than the deformable-nut body 150 (see, e.g., FIG. 10E) prior toinstallation. As shown in FIG. 11C, after installation of theself-locking nut 400, the deformable-nut body 450 looks similar to thedeformable-nut body 150 (FIGS. 10H and 10I).

The deformable-nut body 450 has a central body portion 455 and an outerflange 470, which are the same as, or similar to, the central bodyportion 155 and the outer flange 170. The central body portion 455defines an interior threaded bore 460, which is the same as, or similarto the interior threaded bore 160. The deformable-nut body 450 has afront surface 452, an opposing back surface 454, an outer surface 456,an inclined front face 472 (FIGS. 11A and 11B), and an inverted rearface 474 (FIGS. 11A and 11B). As best shown in FIG. 11A, the inclinedfront face 472 and the inverted rear face 474 are both at angles of αand β, respectively, relative to horizontal and/or relative to the outerflange 470. As shown, the angle α is about one hundred and twenty-fivedegrees and the angle β is about two hundred and five degrees.Alternatively, in some implementations, the angle α can be any anglebetween about ninety degrees and about one hundred and fifty degrees(e.g., about 90 degrees, about 100 degrees, about 110 degrees, about 120degrees, about 130 degrees, about 140 degrees, about 150 degrees, etc.)and the angle β can be any angle between about one hundred and eightydegrees and about two hundred and thirty degrees (e.g., about 180degrees, about 190 degrees, about 200 degrees, about 210 degrees, about220 degrees, about 230 degrees, etc.). Any combination of differentangles α and β is contemplated.

Generally referring to FIGS. 12A-12C, a self-locking nut 500 includes amain-nut body 520 and a deformable-nut body 550 that are the same as, orsimilar to, the main-nut body 120 and the deformable-nut body 150described herein. The self-locking nut 500 mainly differs from theself-locking nut 100 in that the deformable-nut body 550 has a differentshape than the deformable-nut body 150 (see, e.g., FIG. 10E) prior toinstallation. As shown in FIG. 12C, after installation of theself-locking nut 500, the deformable-nut body 550 looks similar to thedeformable-nut body 150 (FIGS. 10H and 10I).

The deformable-nut body 550 has a central body portion 555 and an outerflange 570, which are the same as, or similar to, the central bodyportion 155 and the outer flange 170. The central body portion 555defines an interior threaded bore 560, which is the same as, or similarto the interior threaded bore 160. The deformable-nut body 550 has afront surface 552, an opposing back surface 554, an outer surface 556,an inclined front face 572 (FIGS. 12A and 12B), and a generally flatrear face 574 (FIGS. 12A and 12B). As best shown in FIG. 12A, theinclined front face 572 and the generally flat rear face 574 are both atangles of α and β, respectively, relative to horizontal and/or relativeto the outer flange 570. As shown, the angle α is about one hundred andforty degrees and the angle β is about one hundred and eighty degrees.Alternatively, in some implementations, the angle α can be any anglebetween about ninety degrees and about one hundred and eight degrees(e.g., about 90 degrees, about 100 degrees, about 110 degrees, about 120degrees, about 130 degrees, about 140 degrees, about 150 degrees, about160 degrees, about 170 degrees, about 180 degrees, etc.) and the angle βcan be any angle between about one hundred and sixty degrees and abouttwo hundred degrees (e.g., about 160 degrees, about 170 degrees, about180 degrees, about 190 degrees, about 200 degrees, etc.). Anycombination of different angles α and β is contemplated.

Generally referring to FIGS. 13A-13C, a self-locking nut 600 includes amain-nut body 620 and a deformable-nut body 650 that are the same as, orsimilar to, the main-nut body 120 and the deformable-nut body 150described herein. The self-locking nut 600 mainly differs from theself-locking nut 100 in that the deformable-nut body 650 has a differentshape than the deformable-nut body 150 (see, e.g., FIG. 10E) and in thatthe main-nut body 620 has a different shape than the main-nut body 120(see, e.g., FIGS. 10D and 10E). As shown in FIG. 13C, after installationof the self-locking nut 600, the deformable-nut body 650 deforms in asimilar fashion to how the deformable-nut body 150 (FIGS. 10H and 10I)deforms.

Instead of the main-nut body 620 having an inwardly tapered recess, likethe inwardly tapered recess 140 of the main-nut body 120, the main-nutbody 620 has a protrusion 640 that is outwardly tapered with respect tovertical (e.g., an axis that is parallel with a central axis X_(c) ofthe self-locking nut 600) at an angle, θ, of about 45 degrees.Alternatively, the protrusion 640 can be tapered with respect tovertical at an angle, θ, which is between about 30 degrees and about 60degrees (e.g., about 30 degrees, about 35 degrees, about 40 degrees,about 45 degrees, about 50 degrees, about 55 degrees, about 60 degrees,etc.).

The deformable-nut body 650 has a central body portion 655 and an outerflange 670, which are similar to the central body portion 155 and theouter flange 170, but with a relatively more elongated shape in adirection along a central axis of the self-locking nut 600. Further, theouter flange 670 and the central body portion 655 are merged togethersuch that the outer flange 670 is less like a flange and more like aportion of the central body portion 655. The central body portion 655defines an interior threaded bore 660, which is the same as, or similarto the interior threaded bore 160. The deformable-nut body 650 has afront surface 652, an opposing back surface 654, an outer surface 656,an inclined front face 672 (FIGS. 13A and 13B), and an inverted rearface 674 (FIGS. 13A and 13B). As best shown in FIG. 13A, the inclinedfront face 672 and the inverted rear face 674 are both at angles of αand β, respectively, relative to horizontal and/or relative to the outerflange 670. As shown, the angle α is about one hundred and fifty degreesand the angle β is about two hundred and forty degrees. Alternatively,in some implementations, the angle α can be any angle between aboutninety degrees and about one hundred and eight degrees (e.g., about 90degrees, about 100 degrees, about 110 degrees, about 120 degrees, about130 degrees, about 140 degrees, about 150 degrees, about 160 degrees,about 170 degrees, about 180 degrees, etc.) and the angle β can be anyangle between about one hundred and ninety degrees and about two hundredand seventy degrees (e.g., about 190 degrees, about 200 degrees, about210 degrees, about 220 degrees, about 230 degrees, about 240 degrees,about 250 degrees, about 260 degrees, about 270 degrees, etc.). Anycombination of different angles α and β is contemplated.

Generally referring to FIGS. 14A-14C, a self-locking nut 700 includes amain-nut body 720 and a deformable-nut body 750 that are the same as, orsimilar to, the main-nut body 120 and the deformable-nut body 150described herein. The self-locking nut 600 mainly differs from theself-locking nut 100 in that the deformable-nut body 650 has a differentshape than the deformable-nut body 150 (see, e.g., FIG. 10E) and in thatthe main-nut body 620 has a different shape than the main-nut body 120(see, e.g., FIGS. 10D and 10E). Further, the number of turns of a threadof the main-nut body 720 is less than the number of turns of a thread ofthe deformable-nut body 750, which differs from the self-locking nut100. As shown in FIG. 14C, after installation of the self-locking nut700, the deformable-nut body 750 deforms in a similar fashion to how thedeformable-nut body 150 (FIGS. 10H and 10I) deforms.

While the main-nut body 720 does have an inwardly tapered recess 740that is similar to the inwardly tapered recess 140 of the main-nut body120, the recess 740 is inwardly tapered with respect to a central axisX_(c) of the self-locking nut 700 at an angle, θ, of about 15 degrees.Alternatively, the recess 740 can tapered with respect to the centralaxis X_(c) of the self-locking nut 700 at an angle, θ, which is betweenabout 5 degrees and about 40 degrees (e.g., about 5 degrees, about 10degrees, about 15 degrees, about 20 degrees, about 25 degrees, about 30degrees, about 35 degrees, about 40 degrees, etc.).

The deformable-nut body 750 has a central body portion 755 and an outerflange 770, which are similar to the central body portion 155 and theouter flange 170, but with the central body portion 755 having arelatively more elongated shape in a direction along a central axis ofthe self-locking nut 700. The central body portion 755 defines aninterior threaded bore 760, which is the same as, or similar to theinterior threaded bore 160, just with relatively more turns of a thread(e.g., five turns of the thread). The deformable-nut body 750 has afront surface 752, an opposing back surface 754, an outer surface 756,an inclined front face 772 (FIGS. 14A and 14B), and an inclined rearface 774 (FIGS. 14A and 14B). As best shown in FIG. 14A, the inclinedfront face 772 and the inclined rear face 774 are both at angles of αand β, respectively, relative to horizontal and/or relative to the outerflange 770. As shown, the angle α is about one hundred and fifty degreesand the angle β is about one hundred and five degrees. Alternatively, insome implementations, the angle α can be any angle between about ninetydegrees and about one hundred and eight degrees (e.g., about 90 degrees,about 100 degrees, about 110 degrees, about 120 degrees, about 130degrees, about 140 degrees, about 150 degrees, about 160 degrees, about170 degrees, about 180 degrees, etc.) and the angle β can be any anglebetween about ninety degrees and about one hundred and forty degrees(e.g., about 90 degrees, about 100 degrees, about 110 degrees, about 120degrees, about 130 degrees, about 140 degrees, etc.). Any combination ofdifferent angles α and β is contemplated.

As described throughout the present disclosure, the self-locking nuts ofthe present disclosure perform better than standard nuts (i.e., nutswithout a deformable-nut body as described herein). Specifically, aself-locking nut incorporating the deformable-nut body can be torqued,without stripping its threads, to a relatively higher value as comparedto a standard nut without the deformable-nut body. Such a relativelyhigher torque results in a correspondingly higher maximum applied clampload of the self-locking nut as compared with a standard nut. By way ofexample, the following chart includes data for a number of differentsized nuts illustrating the relatively higher maximum torque andrelatively higher maximum applied clamp load for self-locking nutsaccording to the present disclosure as compared with standard SAE Grade8 nuts.

Maximum Maximum Torque Maximum Size Torque (ft-lbs) Maximum (ft-lbs)prior to Applied Clamp (nominal Threads prior to Applied stripping ofLoad (lbs) for maximum Per Inch stripping of Clamp Load threads for aGrade a Grade 8 Self- diameter of (per inch threads for a (lbs) for a 8Self-Locking Locking Nut of threaded of nut Standard SAE Standard SAENut of the Present the Present bore of nut) height) Grade 8 Nut Grade 8Nut Disclosure Disclosure ¼ 20 10.17 2,864 19.20 5,410 5/16 18 20.924,719 39.51 8,914 ⅜ 16 37.00 6,794 69.89 12,833 7/16 14 59.00 9,568111.44 18,073 ½ 13 90.00 12,771 170.00 24,123 9/16 12 130.00 16,375245.56 30,931 ⅝ 11 180.00 20,340 340.00 38,420 ¾ 10 320.00 30,101 604.4456,857 ⅞ 9 515.00 41,556 972.78 78,495 1 8 772.00 54,517 1458.22 102,9771¼ 7 1545.00 87,220 2918.33 164,749 1½ 6 2688.00 126,473 5077.33 238,893

The self-locking nuts of the present disclosure are suitable for use inextreme, high vibration and security environments that demandsreliability, durability, heavy duty or high performance in a lightweightpermanent locking nut. Examples of industrial environments where theself-locking nuts of the present disclosure may be used include:

Aerospace

Automotive

Aviation

Bridges

Buildings

Civil engineering projects

Construction equipment

Dams

Expressways

Extreme environment applications

Guard rails

Heavy duty applications

High vibration applications

Industrial equipment

Machinery

Marine applications

Metal presses

Military equipment

Nuclear power plants

Racing applications

Railroads

Railway cars

Rock crushers

Shipbuilding

Steel-making machinery

Steel towers

Street lights

Traffic lights

Transportation—machinery and infrastructure

It is to be understood that many modifications and variations may bedevised given the above description of the general principles of thepresent disclosure. It is intended that all such modifications andvariations be considered as within the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure, as defined in the following claims.

1. A self-locking nut comprising: a main-nut body having a recessleading into an interior threaded bore forming more than three turns ofan internal thread therein; and a deformable-nut body having an outerflange and an interior threaded bore forming less than three turns of aninternal thread therein, wherein the outer flange of the deformable-nutbody is fixed to the main-nut body such that a relief space is formedbetween the deformable-nut body and the recess.
 2. The self-locking nutof claim 1, wherein the outer flange of the deformable-nut body is fixedto the main-nut body such that a generally cylindrical portion of therelief space is established between the interior threaded bore of thedeformable-nut body and the interior threaded bore of the main-nut body,and wherein the generally cylindrical portion of the relief space has afirst maximum height prior to installation of the self-locking nut on athreaded bolt shaft and wherein the generally cylindrical portion of therelief space has a second maximum height after installation of theself-locking nut on the threaded bolt shaft, the second maximum heightbeing less than the first maximum height.
 3. (canceled)
 4. Theself-locking nut of claim 2, wherein second maximum height is less thanfifty percent of the first maximum height.
 5. The self-locking nut ofclaim 1, wherein the relief space provides an area for thedeformable-nut body to deform into during installation of theself-locking nut on a threaded bolt shaft. 6-12. (canceled)
 13. Theself-locking nut of claim 1, wherein the outer flange of thedeformable-nut body is fixed to the main-nut body such that thedeformable-nut body cannot rotate relative to the main-nut body.
 14. Theself-locking nut of claim 1, wherein the recess extends from a frontsurface of the main-nut body towards an opposing back surface of themain-nut body, and wherein the recess is an inwardly tapered recess.15-16. (canceled)
 17. The self-locking nut of claim 1, wherein theinterior threaded bore of the main-nut body forms between about 3.25 andabout 6 turns of the internal thread and the interior threaded bore ofthe deformable-nut body forms between about 0.5 and about 2.75 turns ofthe internal thread.
 18. (canceled)
 19. The self-locking nut of claim 1,wherein the outer flange of the deformable-nut body is relativelythinner than the rest of the deformable-nut body such that the outerflange deforms during installation of the self-locking nut on a threadedbolt shaft.
 20. The self-locking nut of claim 19, wherein theself-locking nut is made from a first material having a first elasticmodulus and the threaded bolt shaft is made from a second materialhaving a second elastic modulus that is greater than the first elasticmodulus.
 21. (canceled)
 22. A self-locking nut comprising: a main-nutbody having (i) a front surface, (ii) an opposing back surface, (iii) anouter surface configured to be engaged by a tool to rotate theself-locking nut about a threaded bolt shaft thereby causing themain-nut body to move axially in a first direction towards an object,(iv) an interior threaded bore forming a plurality of turns of aninternal thread therein, and (v) a recess in the front surface extendinginto the main-nut body; and a deformable-nut body having (i) a frontsurface configured to engage the object thereby limiting axial movementof the deformable-nut body, (ii) an opposing back surface, (iii) anouter surface, (iv) an interior threaded bore forming at least a portionof a turn of an internal thread therein, and (v) an outer flange;wherein the outer flange of the deformable-nut body is attached to thefront surface of the main-nut body such that a relief space is formedbetween a portion of the opposing back surface of the deformable-nutbody and the recess, the relief space providing an area for thedeformable-nut body to deform into during installation of theself-locking nut on the threaded bolt shaft. 23-28. (canceled)
 29. Theself-locking nut of claim 22, wherein the internal thread of themain-nut body has the same pitch as the internal thread of thedeformable-nut body.
 30. The self-locking nut of claim 22, wherein thefront surface of the main-nut body is welded to the outer flange of thedeformable-nut body. 31-57. (canceled)
 58. A self-locking nutcomprising: a main-nut body having a recess leading into an interiorthreaded bore forming x turns of an internal thread therein; and adeformable-nut body having an outer flange and an interior threaded boreforming y turns of an internal thread therein, wherein the outer flangeof the deformable-nut body is fixed to the main-nut body such that arelief space is formed between the deformable-nut body and the recess,and wherein x is greater than y.
 59. The self-locking nut of claim 58,wherein a ratio of x:y is about 2:1.
 60. The self-locking nut of claim58, wherein a ratio of x:y is about 3:1.
 61. The self-locking nut ofclaim 58, wherein a ratio of x:y is about 4:1.